Gospel singer Richard Smallwood dies at 77, leaving a legacy that inspired many in music
ABC News••general
Key Points:
- Richard Smallwood, an acclaimed gospel singer and eight-time Grammy nominee, died at 77 from complications related to kidney failure in Maryland.
- Smallwood's music inspired and transformed many, with notable artists like Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, and Destiny's Child performing his songs.
- He was a musical pioneer at Howard University, where he helped found the gospel choir and later formed influential groups such as the Richard Smallwood Singers and Vision.
- His song "Total Praise" became a widely embraced modern hymn across diverse Christian communities.
- Despite health challenges in later years, Smallwood's legacy endures through his impactful music and the generations he influenced.
